A 10-YEAR-OLD Sanyati boy, Cornelius Gudo, is suing the Zimbabwe Electricity Transimission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) for negligence through allegedly leaving live electric cables lying on the ground causing him extensive physical injuries.
REPORT BY CHARLES LAITON
Through his guardian Precious Tsvangirai, Gudo has since filed a $60 000 lawsuit at the High Court claiming he sustained 80% bodily injuries and had his left hand amputated in the incident which occurred on October 30, 2011.
He also lost two toes on his left foot and four toes on his right foot.
“The minor child was in severe pain for more than two months and will suffer weather pain for the rest of his life. He will also need an artificial arm which has been quoted at $5 500,” Tsvangirai said in court papers.
“The child was an athlete, soccer player and a traditional dancer at school, which activities he can no longer enjoy. For the child to pursue his education at a special school, he will need an average of $700 per term.”
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Tsvangirai further argued that an act of commission or omission thus occurred on the part of ZETDC who failed to “keep a proper outlook and upkeep” of the cables to avoid the dangers associated with live naked Zesa cables.
She urged the court to grant the application in her favour, arguing the power utility should be held liable for negligently injuring the minor child.
In response, ZETDC pleaded with the court to dismiss the application, arguing there was no link between Zesa cables and its firm.
“ZETDC is a separate and distinct legal persona; defendant on this basis denies any liability. Any assistance rendered was for an accident involving the defendant and was made on compassionate grounds,” ZETDC said.